May 8, 2012 Painters of the so-called Hudson River School in the mid-19th century became known for their romantic work celebrating the American landscape. Through September 3, 2012, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art presents The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision, a special exhibition of 45 masterworks by Hudson River School artists on loan from the New-York Historical Society. The exhibition is organized by the New-York Historical Society and is sponsored at Crystal Bridges by U.S. Trust, Christie’s, the Harrison and Rhonda French Family, and Mitchell, Williams, Selig, Gates & Woodyard, P.L.L.C. “We are delighted with this unique opportunity to present such a distinguished and important collection for our Members and guests,” said Don Bacigalupi, Crystal Bridges executive director. “The Hudson River School celebrates the landscapes around them in these spectacular works, creating a milestone American movement that we also sought to highlight in the Museum’s own permanent collection. This exhibition is the perfect complement.” Admission to the exhibition is free to Crystal Bridges members, and $5 per person for non-members. There is no charge for guests under age 18. Timed, reserved tickets are required for admission to the exhibition. The New-York Historical Society organized the exhibition with works selected from their rich collections of 19th-century American landscape painting. The exhibition was designed to travel while the society’s galleries were closed during renovations, offering an unprecedented opportunity to share works that are rarely on view outside of New York. The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision includes Thomas Cole’s legendary five-part series: The Course of Empire, as well as other masterworks by Cole, John F. Kensett, Albert Bierstadt, Jasper F. Cropsey, Asher B. Durand and many others. Crystal Bridges is located at 600 Museum Way in Bentonville, Ark. General admission is sponsored by Walmart, and no advance tickets are required to view the museum’s permanent collection. Additional information about Crystal Bridges is available online at CrystalBridges.org. About the New-York Historical Society The New-York Historical Society, one of America’s pre-eminent cultural institutions, is dedicated to fostering research and presenting exhibitions and public programs that reveal the dynamism of history and its influence on the world of today. Founded in 1804, the Society has a mission to explore the richly layered history of New York City and State and the country, and to serve as a national forum for the discussion of issues surrounding the making and meaning of history. # # # The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is to welcome all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of landscape. We explore the unfolding story of America by actively collecting, exhibiting, interpreting, and preserving outstanding works that illuminate our heritage and artistic possibilities. Opened to the public on 11-11-11, Crystal Bridges was founded in 2005 by Alice Walton, who chairs the Museum’s board of directors. # # # Additional information about the exhibition available here (February 8 release): https://crystalbridges.org/About/News For images from the exhibition, please contact the New-York Historical Society: http://www.nyhistory.org/press/downloadable-media-kit/image-downloads
